Kirksville Police officers are looking to get seriously muddy in a team-based endurance competition and are soliciting contributions to help fund their way.

Ten KPD officers are slated to attend the Tough Mudder competition in St. Louis in mid-September, a grueling obstacle course spread out over 12 miles of mud.

“It’s not so much a competition, like you’ve got first, second and third place, but more a competition with yourself,” explained KPD Officer Nick Panos. “But it’s also the glory of getting muddy.”

The competition tests mental, physical and emotional endurance and include all things mud-related.

Panos said obstacles, designed originally by British Special Forces, includes 10 to 12 miles of hills, mud, water, ropes, walls, electric shocks and fire designed to push participants to their limits.

“It’s all about the group effort,” Panos said. “You know it’s not a 12-mile sprint, it’s a group thing. You say, ‘Hey, stay together, we’re going to complete it together.’”

The event is extracurricular for KPD officers and does not apply for any of their annual training, instead offering an opportunity for the officers to work together while off the clock.

“We may work together and spend most of our time together but we may not get to know the officers on other shifts so it’s a good time to get together, train together and really bond,” Panos said.

There are currently 10 officers planning on attending the competition, with the possibility of more attendees with community donations and support.

Registration for the event is $130 per person with the proceeds supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that strives to provide for and look after wounded veterans.

Panos said the assistance received from the community already has been an uplifting and encouraging showing of support.

“It makes you feel good to get that support,” Panos said. “We had six officers going before, but once you show what we’re doing and how it’s going to be and the fun side, it’s good to have the extra support from the community. They care about what you do and want to support and want to help. That involvement in the community means so much.”

Panos directed anyone interested in helping pay the officers’ way or to learn more about the event to visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KPDtoughmudders.